Executive, Legislative Branches At Odds Over Budget Reconciliation

OMB Director Peter Orszag suggested to the Senate Budget Committee Tuesday that legislators could filibuster-proof the Obama initiatives in the '10 budget legislation by using the budget reconciliation procedure to pass the bill, rather than letting the legislation be considered in regular order. However, in discussing the expected climate change and renewable energy package of legislation, leaders of both parties in both houses have expressed opposition to eliminating the possibility of amendments from the floor.